Description

RRP 70 – Ben M’s Story: Founding Voices Series, Episode 4

Presenters: Peter and Julie
Length: 1 hour, 34 minutes

Episode seventy of the Real Recovery Podcast features Ben M, the fourth voice in our Founding Voices series. Ben’s journey from chaotic adolescence in Texas to long-term recovery in Portland is a story of resilience, self-discovery, and unwavering honesty. As one of our most listened-to guests, Ben continues to inspire the recovery community with his vulnerability, humor, and steadfast commitment to service. This episode explores the power of connection, the challenges of relapse, and the hope found in embracing a new way of life.

• [00:00:00] Introduction and welcome by hosts Julie and Peter
• [00:02:00] Ben shares his background growing up in El Paso and Dallas, Texas, in a large Hispanic family
• [00:10:00] Early experiences with drugs, alcohol, and meeting men online at age 13
• [00:20:00] Chaotic teenage years, struggles with identity, and early addiction
• [00:30:00] College years, moving to New York, and the impact of 9/11
• [00:40:00] Continued struggles with addiction, nightlife, and early adulthood challenges
• [00:50:00] Law school, worsening addiction, and first DUI
• [01:00:00] Family intervention, first AA meeting, and initial attempts at sobriety
• [01:10:00] Relapses, mental health crises, and time in a psych ward
• [01:20:00] Reflections on recovery, spirituality, and the importance of AA and community
• [01:30:00] Ben’s life today, his sobriety, and a message of hope for others

• Listen to this episode
• Read the blog post
• Real Recovery Podcast website
• Lunch Bunch & Extended Family AA Online
• Go the Distance nonprofit

"The only reason I'm living and breathing and have all the things I have in my life is because AA has shown me the way to do things differently."
— Ben M.

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